Which RAM?

Akashio · Post by **Akashio** » Sun Jan 05, 2003 9:21 pm

I am searching Pricewatch.com and I know I am going to get a PIII 1.2GHz, so which RAM should I get for it? There's PC2100, PC 2400, PC133... does it matter which kind I get? What's the difference?

Can I upgrade my RAM from 128k to 512k, and THEN replace my CPU? Or should it be the other way around?

NicholasDWolfwood · Post by **NicholasDWolfwood** » Sun Jan 05, 2003 10:20 pm

It depends on the type your motherboard takes. If it takes DDR266, PC1600/2100 and I think 2700 will work fine. Anything higher, you need DDR333. If it doesn't say anything about DDR but says SDRam, PC100/133/150 works.

klinky · Post by **klinky** » Sun Jan 05, 2003 10:55 pm

PIIIs only used SDRAM and later on used RDRAM in some server/workstation systems. You will most likely want PC133 SDRAM.

There are some different types of PC133 SDRAM out there. Mainly standard and high-density. High-density only works in motherboards that allow for 512MB in each DIMM slot. So if you had a motherboard with 3 DIMM slots then it needs to allow a total of 1.5GB of memory.

Check your motherboard manual, or post the model here and I can probably find it :\

Org Profile · Post by **VicBond007** » Sun Jan 05, 2003 11:24 pm

You may want to consider an AthlonXP system based off a DDR chipset (nForce2 ROCKS for video editing), but if you're stuck with a P3, then you want PC133. PC150 is rated for a slightly higher FSB and so if you're going to overclock your CPUs (and thus your motherboard's) FSB, you may want to go for PC150. PC2100,2400,2700,3200 and 3500 are DDR RAM. They're for Athlons and some P4s. They take the motherboard's FSB and multiply it x2 so their performance is greatly enhanced.

You may also want to try to Ebay your RAM. SDRAM is pretty dead, so you could get an insane deal off Ebay. I paid...$22 for 256MB of PC133 for my arcade machine off Ebay, and the RAM was even new!

Akashio · Post by **Akashio** » Mon Jan 06, 2003 4:42 am

thanks so much for your replies. However, do I have to install the processor FIRST (before the RAM) or AFTER??

jbone · Post by **jbone** » Mon Jan 06, 2003 10:02 am

Akashio wrote:thanks so much for your replies. However, do I have to install the processor FIRST (before the RAM) or AFTER??

Erm...

step 1: install motherboard in case

step 2: plug CPU, RAM, and everything else into motherboard

Have you built a computer before? ^^;

Org Profile · Post by **VicBond007** » Mon Jan 06, 2003 10:31 am

Technically you install them both at the same time. They're not windows devices so you're not gonna have to load drivers or anything, in fact, you need both in to even turn your computer on.

Hitori · Post by **Hitori** » Mon Jan 06, 2003 11:16 am

jbone wrote:step 1: install motherboard in case

step 2: plug CPU, RAM, and everything else into motherboard

I usually install the CPU and RAM on the motherboard first before installing it into the case. Everyone has a specific way of doing things I guess...

Akashio · Post by **Akashio** » Mon Jan 06, 2003 4:39 pm

jbone wrote:
Akashio wrote:thanks so much for your replies. However, do I have to install the processor FIRST (before the RAM) or AFTER??
Erm...

step 1: install motherboard in case

step 2: plug CPU, RAM, and everything else into motherboard

Have you built a computer before? ^^;

I am not doing this myself for fear of fucking up my comp. I am going to have it done professionally. So can I take my comp to the computer store with the RAM, tell them to install it, and then when my P3 1Ghz CPU comes in, have them install THAT? That's what I'm asking.

Org Profile · Post by **VicBond007** » Mon Jan 06, 2003 4:51 pm

Assuming your motherboard even supports a P3 1GHz chip. If not, they're gonna try to sell you an overpriced OEM motherboard while you're there.